Wrath of the Righteous for Paladins

Game Master trawets71

"I suppose we will have to come back and attend to this later, if Hallow is needed. Maybe after securing Drezen we can send for supplies from Kenabres, including some scrolls."

"There is a large number of tieflings and cultists camped out in Southbank. They’re guarding a large amount of what appears to be captured crusader gear. There are also large numbers of undead lurking in Drezen’s cemetery, particularly ghouls. The largest vault in the cemetery seems to be surrounded by shadows. That looks worth looking into."

Done!

"I've spent my time north of the riverbed. A large amount of schir demons hold Paradise Hill. It was once a district of warehouses and food stores that sat atop the high ground east of the citadel. It appears the demons are now using the area as a prison for captured crusaders."

Done!

"There is one bridge left standing that leads to the citadel. The army will have difficulty getting to the citadel if this bridge isn't taken due to the steep sides of the riverbeds here."

This next?

"Finally, Citadel Drezen is surrounded by a wall and seven watchtowers. Each watchtower seems to be guarded by a few figures, and each is armed with a large catapult. Disabling as many of these catapults as possible makes the siege more effective. I wasn't able to get close enough to see all seven watchtowers as there are a few armies inside the wall and activity around the Citadel is much higher."

This last, after the bridge (and maybe resting)?

Leothar is good to continue for now - plenty of Mythic Power and Smites - but is in need of a bit of healing. He is down 24. How is everyone else? May be better to Channel rather than just LoH for myself.

Healer's Hands Leothar: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

Healing: 7 + 7 + 4 = 18
Lay on Hands: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) = 10
Full health. I have 1 smite, and enough mythic to cast mythic bless and mythic endure elements, with 3x lay on hands left. Let's hit that bridge

I'm also good to hit the bridge, if that's the plan!

To the bridge!

"I suppose we will have to come back and attend to this later, if Hallow is needed. Maybe after securing Drezen we can send for supplies from Kenabres, including some scrolls."

Ian is down 52 HP

Turning away from the unhallowed crypt Ian looks towards Drezen, Nodding in agreement with Leothar. Adding "Chief, once we're healed up we should probably take the bridge." He looked from the chief to Irabeth, then back. "Should we let the army rest and take it ourselves or should we mobilize them as well."

The scouts report that the bridge is guarded by feral-looking beasts chained to the bridge’s weakened supports and several tieflings on the watchtowers above, and furthermore that each support has been significantly weakened by structural damage. It might take a minute or two, but the beasts chained to the pillars could be driven to tear the bridge down. Marching an army up to the bridges will certainly cause the cultists to destroy it, but a smaller group could sneak in and defeat them quickly without, hopefully, triggering the destruction of the bridge.

”Right, we can do this. We’ll get as close as possible and charge.” Dadna said trying her best to sound confident. The idea of fighting on a bridge set to collapse was nerve wracking.

"The beasts are below the bridge, chained to the supports? Should we take them out first?"

Fley nods at Leothar's suggestion. "Agreed. Let's go after these beasts first.". If the scouts are still around, Fley will ask them if they knew what kind of beasts they are. If not, Fley will question the scouts to see what the beasts looked like at least to get any clues into what they are.

Thinking about the situation a little Ian asks. "Should we use he two levitation scales to get down there?" He pauses remembering the description from the scouts. "If there are four beasts, should we split up and go down both sides at once? Possibly even splitting up more and attacking the beasts at the same time so none of them have time to tear out the pillar?"

Translate 'scouts description' as looked at the map. Is there a knowledge check to know more about the beasts?

"Do we need to kill the beasts? If they are chained to the supports, perhaps merely breaking the chains will keep the bridge from collapsing."

"If not killed they might still be used against our forces. And breaking chains large enough to holds them might be harder than just breaking the beasts. We can play it by ear when the time comes to see what can be done. As is, I think that we should move in teams of two, that way we can support each other. Say, Leothar, myself, and Fley. We are all about the same speed, given our size. Then Ian, Ardriel and Anton. Both teams take out one beast, or the chains, at a time, then move on to another."

Fley looks down, distraught. "Though I agree with you Adriel at first, I do think these beasts are likely to have been corrupted. Knowing our enemy, they have corrupted the beasts to the point of no redemption. We will likely need to destroy them."

Sheathing his longsword, Ian takes the 'scale' from his pouch. Looking from Dadna to Ardriel, "I think Dadna has the right idea, who has the other levitation scale?" He then starts to look for something to cast the spell on. Turning to he group he asks, "Didn't we use a shield the last time?"

Seeing the scales, Anton's eyes almost pop out of his head. "Are... are those from her?"

"I have the other one. You and I might need to go in separate groups to provide transport."

Fley shrugs at Anton's question like it was completely normal to have scales of a dragon. "Ayep. From Terendelev."

So what is the plan? The sides of the river bank are not vertical but steep enough that horses can't climb it.

Thinking about the situation a little Ian asks. "Should we use he two levitation scales to get down there?" He pauses remembering the description from the scouts. "If there are four beasts, should we split up and go down both sides at once? Possibly even splitting up more and attacking the beasts at the same time so none of them have time to tear out the pillar?"

Translate 'scouts description' as looked at the map. Is there a knowledge check to know more about the beasts?

"If not killed they might still be used against our forces. And breaking chains large enough to holds them might be harder than just breaking the beasts. We can play it by ear when the time comes to see what can be done. As is, I think that we should move in teams of two, that way we can support each other. Say, Leothar, myself, and Fley. We are all about the same speed, given our size. Then Ian, Ardriel and Anton. Both teams take out one beast, or the chains, at a time, then move on to another."

"I have the other one. You and I might need to go in separate groups to provide transport."

I think this is our plan. Split into two teams and use the levitation scales to descend, then either kill or free the beasts. One group being Ardriel, Dadna, and Leothar; the other being Ian, Anton, and Fley (modified from Dadna's split to get one Levitation scale in each group).

Seeing the scales, Anton's eyes almost pop out of his head. "Are... are those from her?"

Knowing about the man's heritage, Dadna put a hand on his shoulder (even though she had to reach to do it). "Aye. I know that she was kin. I wasn't there, but she saved these lads from certain death, and these scales retain some of the power that she once had." Turning to the others she said "I think, given that the defender of Kenabres was kin to Anton, that it be only right that he should carry one of her scales. I know that if it was me family involved, I would feel that way."

Realizing the scale potentially had more sentimental value to Anton, Ian extended it to his friend. "We believe she blessed us with them as she protected us while we fell. It's been an honor to carry it." Holding it out. "You may have it if you like. I admired her greatly, but she was not family."

Lookin towards Dadna, trying to lighten the mood, he asked, "Did you just split us up in teams based on height?"

So we'll proceed down an embankment too steep for horses. Are the scales viable option, or can we just slide down?

”More about running speed. There’s a good chance that this bridge will collapse on us and we’ll have to flee. This way we can’t leave anyone behind and we can focus on running as fast as our…very short…legs can take us.” She responded.

The heroes break up into two groups and use the scales to safely descend the steep sides of the gorge. They then approach the bridge.

How far away from the bridge did you descend? Stealth rolls to approach the bridge unless you don't care when you are spotted. Kn: Arcana to know anything about the beasts. Please place yourselves on either side of the map. I will determine distances based on stealth or decisions made.

Did we heal up Ian before splitting up?

Leothar will be on the right side of the map.

I imagine he would try to descend about 50' from the bridge. That does not give a lot of help on the Stealth checks (-5 Perception), but if we are too far away, it will take most of the party forever to close the distance.

Though not Leothar these days! He is now very fast, at base move 50'.

Stealth, ACP: 1d20 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 1 - 5 = 12

If there is any cover (boulders, shrubbery), he will use that.

Did we heal up Ian before splitting up?

No, I posted he was down 52 HP a few posts ago, but forgot to say anything else. He has 4 CLw potions and 4 LoH left do we want him to use them or save them?

Before the groups split up and leave their counselors, Ian asks, "Does anyone have any spare healing?"

once we get moving
stealth: 1d20 - 7 ⇒ (19) - 7 = 12

LoH for Ian: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2) = 11

Ardriel gives Ian some healing before they go. Yarnala gives Ardriel a little guidance for stealth, before turning invisible himself.

Stealth, Guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

50' sounds good. I know we aren't particularly stealthy, but we're also slow.

Stealth ACP: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (12) - 4 = 8
LoH Ian: 52 + 11 + 3d6 ⇒ 52 + 11 + (6, 6, 3) = 78

Dadna was not the most stealthy of individuals in the best of times. Covered from head to toe in steel did not help the situation.

Nodding to Dadna and Ardriel as he draws out a couple of potions, Ian thanks them, "Thanks, that will help immensely, I'll drink a couple of potions and be right as rain." Still not feeling quite as right as ran, he quietly prays, laying hands on himself. Then drawing his longsword, he follows Leothars example using whatever terrain he could trying to not be seen or heard.

LoH: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3) = 10
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"I can sneak ahead." Fley holds up a potion (of invisibility). "Or do you want to stick together?"

Fley will stick close to Ian and Anton at first and will only sneak ahead if the others think it's a good idea.

So Ian, Anton, and Fley are a group. Where do you want to descend? Will move token near them. Left side of the map?

Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

The heroes descend the sides with the scales and advance toward the bridge. About fifty feet from the bridge shouts go up and the beasts move forward straining against their chains. Suddenly the pillars on the west side collapse and the bridge comes down. Bodies lie among the rubble.

Init Anton: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Init Ardriel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Init Fley: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Init Ian: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Init Leothar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Init Dadna: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Init Enemy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Init Enemy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Beast 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Beast 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Beast 3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Beast 4: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

low: 1d100 ⇒ 15

Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 1, 1, 5) = 15

Round 1
Party Up
B-15

Well that was anti climatic. They had to beat a DC 24 strength check and each one passed had a 25% cumulative chance of collapse.

Seeing the beasts alive, but the bridge destroyed, Ian turns to Fley and Anton, "That did not go as planned, but we probably should still deal with the beast and allow any wounded enemy to surrender." Unable to tell if the monstrosities are still chained or not, Ian moves forward cautiously and waits to see if the creatures charge, ready to defend himself.

20 ft move. Readied attack: + 1 evil outsider bane longsword, WF,
attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 15 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12
if the animals are evil ousiders please + 2 to attack and bane: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Fley nods at Ian. "Agreed with you there, friend.". Unsure what the beasts are, Fley keeps his kukris up, but doesn't advance more than Ian.

20 ft move to be next to Ian. Ready attack.

+1 Kukri: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 +4 to attack vs evil outsiders
damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 +4 to attack vs evil outsiders

Leothar's base move is now 50', so that is what Fleet Charge enables him to do.

He can't really see the more cautious approach of those on the east side. So Leothar uses Fleet Charge as a swift action to close the distance with the northern beast on his side and hammers it with Radiance.

Fleet Charge Attack, Negative Level, Tier, PA: 1d20 + 14 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 1 + 2 = 29
Damage, MPA: 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 9 = 22

Primary: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 1 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Iterative: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 = 18

He drank the potion of Barkskin (30 mins) before going into the crypt. If that is no longer active, his AC is 21.

Charge, add 2 if evil outsider: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23
Surge from weapon if this fails to hit: 1d6 ⇒ 6 29 if a 23 would fail to hit
Mythic Vital Strike Damage: 2d10 + 26 ⇒ (10, 8) + 26 = 44
Evil Outsider Bane: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Coming in on the other side of the river, Dadna charged in with her dorn-dergar. Just as her kinsman savaged the northern beast, so too did she attack the southern one. The blow was an accurate one, she as felt it connect with the side of the creature's head.

As the Dwarves he was with each split their targets to the beasts, Ardriel moved forward and loosed an arrow at the northern-most of the two.

Move 25' into range for Mythic Point Blank Shot.

Attack, Mythic PBS: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26
Damage, Mythic PBS: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Fley and Ian move up and wait. Leothar rushes forward an pounds the beast three times causing it to fall. Dadna rushes up and pounds hers in the head and it falls.

Round 1
Anton Up

R-60
O-44
B
G
I-15

No surge needed and there are no evil outsiders present here

Botting Anton
Anton charges the animal on his right. He puts a large slash into the creature.

Out of the rubble a figure appears in front of Fley, Ian and Anton. A fireball engulphs all of them in flames. The creatures then advance and attack. Ian misses his as it advances but it fails to bite him. Anton isn't as lucky as he is both gored and bitten.

Glaive: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 = 26 Damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Fireball DC17: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 1, 3, 4, 6, 5, 1) = 29

Green Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Green Gore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Blue Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Round 2
Party Up

R-60
O-44
B
G-24
I-15

Ardriel moves forward and says, "Let's go help the others." He gets to the bridge and starts to climb.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

I'm about 45' from the bridge, so that's a move action 35', then move 10', leaving me 25' of movement with which to attempt to climb up the bridge rubble.

reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Seeing the figure rise from the Rubble, Ian watches him move his hands the same time as the large bull like creature tries to bite him. Lifting his shield against the creature's attack, his armor taking the brunt of the fireball bursting around him. Lifting his longsword he slashes at the blue beast, hoping to be able to end it soon.

Full attack: + 1 evil outsider bane longsword, WF, PAM
attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 14 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 6 = 10
attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 11 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 6 = 16

Climb: 1d20 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 5 = 13

"Aye." Dadna said. Climbing wasn't easy given her short stature and heavy armor, but she was determined to do her utmost to help her comrades.

Leothar will stow Radiance, then move up to the rubble and try to climb up it.

Need to use a move action to sheathe the weapon to have both hands free for a Climb check. It is 30' to the wall, and his move is 50', leaving 20' move for potentially a 5' climb.

Climb, ACP: 1d20 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 5 = 6

He gets nowhere.

"Grrr.... Ardriel, do you have the scale?"

The paladins fail to climb any of the rubble. Ian fails to injure the creature.

Round 2
Fley and Anton up

R-60
O-44
B
G-24
I-15

Just to be clear you can not see what is happening on the other side of the bridge until you get half way through the rubble. DC for climb is 15.

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Success, so take 14 fire damage. At 39/66 hp now.

"Ian, you got this thing? Let me help you."

Fley steps up next to Ian and stabs at the creature with all his might. "Die foul creature!"

TWF, ITWF, PoF, negative level

+4 to attack and damage vs evil outsiders.

------

+1 Kukri: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 1 = 20
damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

---

Cold Iron Kukri: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 1 = 28
crit?: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 1 = 23
damage: 1d3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
crit damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

---

+1 Kukri: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 1 = 8
damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

---

Cold Iron Kukri: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 = 23
crit?: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 = 8
damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

After trying, and failing, to climb once more, Dadna shrugged her armored shoulders. ”Can’t see myself getting up there anytime soon. But these creatures weren’t that tough. The lads should be fine over there…right?”

Presumably, we saw the Fireball explode over the rubble, as it has a 20' radius.

"I think I can help."

Leothar casts Enlarge Person. This is a 1-round casting time, so it will finish just before his next turn.

At nearly 9' tall, can he pick up Dadna and set her atop the rubble next round? Not sure how easy it will be for him to get over an obstacle slightly taller than he is, but getting Dadna over should work.

A good idea but that won't work. The rubble is 30 feet wide and 15 feet high in the center. You could pick her up but your reach is only 10 feet and that is too high to place her down. You would have at least seen the flash from the fireball if not the top of it as well. Ardriel leveting could turn him into an arrow tower as 20 or even 30 feet of elevation will allow him to see over everything.

I am not entirely sure what you mean... but I will still keep casting the spell. It seems intuitive that being 9' tall should make it easier to climb over rubble like that, at least.
Maybe it won't. But I got nothing else I can do.

I mean, enlarge person does give a strength bonus, which helps with climbing.

Ardriel activates his scale and then ascends upwards to see what is happening on the other side.

"They appear to be struggling a bit with the creatures! I'll provide what support I can."

Standard action to activate the scale. Move action to levitate up high enough to see what's happening.

"Tie a rope and throw it down so we can climb up after ye!" Dadna called out.

I am not entirely sure what you mean... but I will still keep casting the spell. It seems intuitive that being 9' tall should make it easier to climb over rubble like that, at least.

Maybe it won't. But I got nothing else I can do.

The cross section of the rubble is a triangle, 30 feet wide at the bottom and 15 feet high in the center. Standing where you are you would need a 15 foot reach to put someone on top by placing them there.

Dadna, Ardriel went straight up in the air not up the pile.